Star Wars: The Colors of the Force

Chapter 1

"Padawan, when dealing with lightsaber burns, they come in two varieties—sealed or oozing." Naluma Fau brushed a sable hair from her face as she pulled up the first cauterized image. She hovered the red laser dot over the crusty injury on the holoprojector the half-dozen students gathered around. "You can see here that when Jedi Kalder severed—"

"Excuse me, Jedi Fau?"

The words sent shivers up her spine. He was back early. All sixty-nine kilos of Luke Skywalker, his sandy-blond curls softening his chiseled cheeks and highlighting his wide smile. His sapphire aura blazed into the darkened room like a sunny day. To the rest of the galaxy, he was the protector of peace and justice. To Naluma, he was her spirit-bonded companion, the one who completed her.

Too many eyes watching right now. Can't let anything slip. She bowed her head with respect to his professional authority and replied, "Master Skywalker."

He stepped into the science lab where the class stood at attention. "As you were, Padawan. Jedi Fau, may I have a word with you in the hall?"

Clicking off the hologram, she said, "Padawan, I want you to read through the field guide on identification and treatment of the different burns. When I return, I will continue the lecture."

After she stepped through the portal, Luke grasped her hand and intertwined his fingers into hers. With that simple touch, the Force within them merged, shooting warmth straight to Naluma's heart and a shy smile to her face.

As the purple and blue currents coalesced between them, Luke cupped her cheeks. His lips brushed hers gently at first. With a sigh, she gnawed his lower lip and ran her hand down his back, pulling herself against him. He traced her neck with his mouth before pressing it to hers. Not just a peck, but a conflagration of desire. A hunger that could not be satisfied—not ever.

With that kiss, Naluma broke away. "Oh, kriff, have I missed you. It's been a very long month without you, Luke." She laid her head on his shoulder and listened to his heart pound while he wrapped his arms around her.

"I know," he groaned. "I couldn't wait one minute longer."

Naluma chuckled. "I thought Jedi Masters had immeasurable patience."

"That's what we want you to think." He grinned. "Why don't we get out of here for a bit?"

"Luke, be reasonable. We can't just leave two dozen Padawan to fend for themselves." Humming, she planted a playful kiss on his nose. "No matter how good that sounds right now." She shuddered at the sight of snow drifts piled up in the courtyard through the corridor window. "I'd do anything for some sunshine."

He backed her into the plastcrete and leaned over her placing his hands on either side of her head. He raised his eyebrows and transformed his good-natured grin into a mischievous smirk. "Anything?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"Kalder's back. Let him hold down the fort for a week."

"And?"

"Run off to that new casino on Cantonica." He twisted the errant wisp of her hair in his finger. "Pretend we're anything but Jedi."

She snorted. "Pass. What else do you have?"

"Tour the tropical gardens of Felucia?"

"Absolutely not. Next."

Luke titled his head and gave a quick smile. "How about Naboo?"

Naluma inclined her head as something inside her clicked.

"It has culture, the arts, cuisine from a million star systems, and beautiful waterfalls."

"It's not winter there right now, is it?"

"A balmy 30 degrees in the capital of Theed. I think it will warm you up." He winked.

But the feeling wouldn't go away. Please, not another mission. Kriff! Can we just have a week to ourselves? There was no way around it. The Force wouldn't give her peace until she agreed.

Naluma entwined her arms around Luke's head and lightly ran her fingers through his curls before pulling his mouth to hers for one more long kiss. "You've got yourself a date." Pushing him away, she said, "Go square this with Kalder while I finish up my class."

"How long do you need?"

"Give me an hour."

He hollered down the hallway, "Make it thirty."

She yelled over her shoulder, "Twenty!"

As she entered the room, she beamed at the grinning faces looking up from their datapads. His light filled her heart now. "Class dismissed." If only I didn't have a bad feeling about this.